It is said that pride goes before destruction. If this is true, then
stand back because it's time for the fall. So sit back, relax, and
enjoy another adventure of Peacock and Popinjay as they present a
stereoscopic view of what goes on behind the closed door of our ego.

In today's episode we find
our two fine fellows returning from a day in church. Listen:

"I declare Mr Peacock, your demeanor certainly leaned toward the
laconic in church this morning. Are you perchance feeling ill?"

"Not at all Mr Popinjay,
although I do appreciate your concern. You found me to be unusually
quiet then did you? How so if I may be so bold as to inquire?"

"I could not help but note
Mr Peacock that you did not partake in the songfest as did I and all
those in attendance. It appeared all the world to me that you were more
interested in the pages of the song book than you were the taking part
in the praise service. Is my observation amiss? Or have I expressed
what is so?"

"I must confess Mr Popinjay
that you did indeed perceive me in a correct light. I was most absorbed
in the words all were singing with such exuberance."

"You then found something in
the words of the songs that struck your fancy I take it Mr Peacock?
What may I ask captured your attention to such a rapt degree that it
prevented you from joining in the festivities?"

"Did you not see the words
you were singing with much jubilation Mr Popinjay? Were you not aware
of that which you were speaking to God above?"

"Speaking to God my good
man? You have me in befuddlement. I was merely lending my voice to the
others in the establishment. How, dare I ask, could my contribution be
perceived as speaking to God?"

"Did you not notice the
title of the book from which you were singing Mr Popinjay? Did the
designation for the time allotted for cantillation slip by your
normally astute observation?"

"I'm afraid it did Mr
Peacock, much to my chagrin. Enlighten me as to my error if you please."

"I would be most happy to do
just that Mr Popinjay. I can well understand how through the exuberance
of the moment you might have made such an oversight. And by the way Mr
Popinjay, might I add that you have an exceptional voice, if I do say
so."

"Why thank you Mr Peacock. I
would be pleased to return the compliment had I but heard you sing,
which of course you did not do so seeing you were engrossed with the
text of the books from which we sang rather than participating in song."

"In spite of the fact that I
received no compliment from you Mr Popinjay, I offer my appreciation
for your willingness to endow me with such a praise. And as to your
question, the book from which you read, and the notice in the bulletin,
indicated that the songs to be sung were songs of worship. Worship, Mr
Popinjay to my knowledge, is intended for the ears of God. Does my
assumption align with yours my dear sir?"

"Having given the matter
thought Mr Peacock, I must give a nod to your assumption. You have set
me on a proper course of understanding. I was indeed singing words of
worship. I then take it that, even though unbeknownst to me, I was
indeed speaking my words to God. Thus acknowledged Mr Peacock, I must
inquire with this question: what of it sir? Do you perceive harm in so
doing?"

"Oddly enough believe I do
Mr Popinjay. I must add a proviso in that the singing itself I see of
no particular consequence. However the words thus sung I myself could
not abide with, nor can I perceive how but perhaps a very few in
attendance could speak the words in earnest."

"You again have me in
befuddlement Mr Peacock. Words are words I always say. What is it in
the
words we sang you find at fault?"

"A very good question Mr
Popinjay, and I am most happy you asked. Let me begin with the first of
the canticles to be sung, Amazing Grace. In and amongst the many words
spoken to God is the phrase 'to save a wretch like me.' My dear sir, do
you in all sincerity consider yourself a wretch?"

"I dare say I do not Mr
Peacock. You have indeed made a viable point. But again I inquire, what
of it?"

"Let me present yet another
such example if I may. One offered song centered around the concept of,
with words thereto following, the promise to surrender all to Jesus. In
all sincerity my dear sir, do you understand what such a phrase means?
Or better still, barring the comprehension of the words, do they in
fact express your earnest posture and intent?"

"Again I must confess to
being negligent Mr Peacock. But I reiterate, it is but a song and not a
pledge the which we are indulging. Is that not so Mr Peacock?"

"So it would seem Mr
Popinjay. I can only express my held view of the moment. I myself, if
the truth be known, do not so much as know the Man to whom such a
pledge is offered. I of course am aware of some facts about Him, having
heard the sermon. However beyond this I have had no particular
relationship with Him as I have with you. Considering this fact, I find
it difficult, even in innocent vocalization, to express words I do not
in fact believe. It is merely my own perception I present dear sir and
not a judgement call. Allow me if you will to present yet another
example of what I am observing. Perhaps it will shed a tad of light on
the subject at hand. You participated in a song that includes the words
'Just a Closer Walk With Thee,' adding words to the effect 'That's All
I Want'. Do these words express your true feelings Mr Popinjay?"

"I dare say they do not Mr
Peacock. The words do allude to a status I possess little understand
of. However we must keep in mind sir, these are merely words of a song.
In song one must not be too judgmental of the words one sings. To do so
would deprive the song of its character. Is this not so Mr Peacock?"

"I dare say it is Mr
Popinjay. However, I must add that I, although not the most sincere
fellow by my own admission, take great stock in my integrity. I like to
think my words represent my honest feelings. I hope you know I'm not
casting my personal sentiment on to others. I am merely expressing my
own view of the matter."

"I concede your right to do
so Mr Peacock. It is no more than I should expect considering it is I
who inquired into your attitude on the matter. Am I to take it then sir
that you consider the singing of words that do not truly and completely
conform to your convictions to be in the realm of a lie? That would
indeed be a
stringent attitude to adopt."

"It is indeed, as you say Mr
Popinjay, a rather stringent attitude. But nonetheless, it is the one I
choose to adopt. So you see Mr Popinjay, I find it outside the realm of
personal acceptance for me to join you and our fellow Christians in the
weekly songfest. I do hope you understand."

6A
fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes. 7A
fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
(Prov 19:)

21Death
and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that
love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Prov 18:)

3For
there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they
that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs
of Zion. 4How shall we sing the
LORD'S song in a strange land? (Babylon (Psalm 137:)

2Deliver
my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.3What shall be given unto thee? or what
shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? Psalm 120:)

7Ye
hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, 8This
people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with
their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9But
in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of
men. (Mat 15:)

13Wherefore
the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me
with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed
their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the
precept of men:14Therefore,
behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even
a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their
wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall
be hid. (Isaiah 29:)

36But
I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall
speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37For
by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be
condemned. (Mat 12:)